Spink: Bent can be a match-winner or a liability

The former Sunderland striker has started just 10 times for the Villans so far this season, scoring four goals in the process.

And asked whether the England star can help save the Midlands club from relegation, he said: “He can and can’t. It all depends on what frame of mind he’s in.

"When he puts in a shift he’s a top player but when he doesn’t put the yards in he can be a liability. He’s not a sulker, he loves his football. He’s always the last one out on the training ground putting the ball past the goalkeepers so it's one of them. It's about finding a happy medium, which means keeping him happy and wanting to play [for the club]."